Writing is very personal. It takes a lot out of me sometimes because I spill it all out. Not leaving a morsel of wonder.

Really, in person it is the same. I just don't have as many opportunities [or the time] to spill it all on a daily basis. You're welcome. [my husband will beg to differ]

Have you noticed that the things we LOVE to do, the things that make our heart beat wildly in our chest...can be the most vulnerable part of us?

Here is what I mean...

I love to write. I love to teach. I love to encourage. I love to do bible studies. BUT.....

Often a small voice from the enemy says, "Really, another writer? Another bible study teacher? Don't you think the world has enough of these? Give it up. Nobody cares. There are a million others doing what you want to do. Give.it.up."

This voice in my head can be loud. And constant.

Many times I choose to believe this voice.

It is a choice. We either choose to believe a lie or choose to believe God's Truth over us.

I look around me and see many successful writers. Many captivating bible study teachers. How on this green earth could I ever make a difference?

And bam.

I shut off my computer. I shut off my dreams. I shut off the pounding of my heart.

Have you ever been there?

Have you had a God-given passion for something? You look around and see so many others so very good at what your heart desires to do that you want to throw in the towel?

I can so relate, friend.

How about we encourage each other.

Do you want to know the reason I turned on my computer today?

At bible study this morning, a precious friend named Connie, asked why I wasn't writing. She told me that she missed it.

You have NO idea how my heart soared when she said those words.

Just one little spark of encouragement drove me straight home to sit at my little breakfast-stained table and write.

Thank you, Connie.

Writing brings me to life. Talking about the Bible brings me to life. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with other women pretty much sends me over the edge! My heart beats hard against my chest wall when I combine the two. It is the passion that God has put on my heart.

God has given you a passion too. What makes your heart beat wildly?

If you cannot think of anything at the moment, I have a suggestion to help you find it.

Throw yourself into God's Word. Throw yourself into Jesus Christ.

Jump headlong, face first and do not look back.

When He becomes our first Love, our one and only desire, suddenly His desires for us awaken.

Oh, y'all, I promise this is true.

In 2012, I began to read the word of God with all of you. A passion arose in my soul that had been dormant. It would flicker from time to time, but it took the Holy Spirit and the wisdom found in His Word to flame that fire into existence.

My desire for helping other women to know Christ and to write grew with each passing day.

My purpose began to come clear. The fire that arose from my heart shed light on the places in my heart that had long been hidden and covered.

Almost like a block of ice that slowly began to melt in my soul.

When we abide in Christ, our purpose becomes clear.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4
He will daily, in small ways, lead us where He wants us. He will plant desires in our hearts that could only come from the One who created us.

You were made for a purpose.

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 17:26

Read that scripture one more time.

God has appointed YOU for this time. For the place that you live. He has you right where He wants you!

Let's stop daydreaming of what "could be", and start living in the reality of "what IS!"

He has us here for a very specific purpose and calling.

You were made to be an integral part of God's story. Your name will be in the credits of this world's story when we get to heaven.

Will you accept His calling for you?

Friends, as we dive into Him and His Word and as He reveals His purpose to us, let us encourage each other!

There's not a person on this earth that does not need a word of encouragement! Encouragement breathes life into a weary heart. Just like Connie breathed life into me today.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Build someone up today. As you do, God Himself will breathe life and purpose into your heart.

You are here for such a time as this. Esther 4:14

*to help you dive into His Word, we have a reading plan. It's at the top of your cute little screen. See it? Click on it and it will take you to a two year bible reading site. So easy. And doable. My 14 and 11 year old are even doing it. So, you know it's cool. ;)

*for more encouragement and accountability, follow SHINE in Instagram. Every Monday I post a memory verse for the week. It is an easy way to hide God's Word in our hearts. Do it with a friend. Do it with your kids! Or hey, just do it with me! :)

About SHINE

SHINE girls want to spread the gospel of JESUS CHRIST by SHINE-ing bright for all of the world to see! When we read His Word daily and hold each other accountable, we are walking closer and closer to His Light. Come SHINE with us!